vasopressor
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈveɪzoʊˌprɛsər//
KK: /ˈveɪzoʊˌprɛsər/
adjective
Definition
Relating to or causing the narrowing of blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure.
Example
The doctor prescribed a vasopressor to help stabilize the patient's blood pressure during surgery.
Conversation
Have you ever heard about the new vasopressor medication they are using in hospitals?
Yeah, I read that it helps with blood pressure issues.
Exactly! It works by constricting blood vessels to raise blood pressure.
That sounds really important for patients who need immediate care.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
constrictive
pressor
hypertensive
Antonyms
dilative
hypotensive
relaxing
noun
Definition
A substance that increases blood pressure in the body.
Example
The doctor administered a vasopressor to stabilize the patient's blood pressure during surgery.
Conversation
I heard that they used a vasopressor in the ER last night.
Really? That sounds intense! What was going on?
There was a patient with extremely low blood pressure, so they needed it fast.
Root Explanation
Vasopressor → It is formed from "vaso-" (from Greek "vasa", meaning vessel) and "pressor" (from Latin "pressare", meaning to press). The word refers to a substance that presses on or constricts blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Memory Tip
Think of 'vessel' ('vaso-') being 'pressed' ('pressor') to remember that a vasopressor is something that constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure.
Visually Confused Words
vagodepressor
oppressor
appressor